Instead, it goes head-to-head with serious UL pieces like the Zpacks Vertice (6.2 oz.
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By prioritizing real-world venting functionality, our review team noticed some of the more significant differences between models and ventilation designs. If you are getting into more burly weather, you might consider a hardshell jacket. These pocket designs are popular with the casual crowd, but are often impractical while hiking since they are nearly inaccessible while wearing a pack or harness. It is just one of many new models that are part of the fresh new wave of stretchier, waterproof shells. But at 8.1 ounces, it cant match the ORs feathery build. The most breathable materials in our review were the Gore-Tex and Gore Paclite Plus. We weighted breathability slightly higher than ventilation because sometimes when it's really raining or snowing hard, opening your vents can make you wetter. We did this to help find weak or potentially problematic spots and to get a feel for how long it took them to wet out. It could also be useful for anyone who might want to clip their jacket to something.
The temperatures werent very extreme for most of our time in Patagonia, but I found myself needing to ditch the Helium while backpacking even on overcast days with temperatures in the mid 50s Fahrenheit. Basically, we measured if we could use them to dump heat while it was actually raining while hiking, trail running, and backpacking or otherwise enjoying the outdoors in active ways.
helium goodraincoats Related: How to Choose the Right Rain Jacket. From beanies to baseball caps, each one of these jackets featured hoods that cinched down over a range of headwear, maximizing the hood's ability to turn with its user's head instead of turning into it though our hands-down favorite hoods were on the Arc'teryx Zeta SL and the Patagonia Storm10. Some folks don't like to use hoods in a more urban setting and consider an umbrella for truly wet days. A rain jacket needs to stand up to the demands of your activities - if it becomes ripped or shredded, no amount of features or special designs will keep you dry. For several of our testers whose pockets that are too low; too close to our hips can be a dealbreaker. Another spendy but ultralight jacket to have on your radar is Arcteryxs Zeta FL. The Outdoor Research Heliums combination of $159 price tag, 6-ounce weight, and full waterproofing put it in a unique spot in the marketmost of its rain jacket competitors are either more expensive or quite a bit heavier. between mens mediums on our scale), and while it packs into its own pocket, its double the size of our Helium. The primary differences in our water resistance metric come from individual fabric characteristics and to a slightly less extent each model's respective hood's design, cuffs, pocket closures, and the longevity of a model's DWR. The most expensive options represent those built with the best materials and have years of engineering behind them. Sounds great right? This treatment is factory applied to the fabric's exterior and makes the water bead when it lands on the surface of the jacket, allowing it to shed the precipitation. All the models we tested are technically waterproof but not all offered the same level of storm protection or resisted "wetting out" in similar amounts of time. Its also worth noting that at the time of publishing, the prior-generation Helium II is still widely available. We tested the maximum range of motion of each jacket by seeing how well we stayed covered while reaching straight out in front of us, as well as above our heads. Still, in nearly all cases, the continuous film of water eliminates all breathability, and the wet-looking area will feel cold and wet, or clammy, from the inside and appear to look as if the liquid is getting through. The Xerodry offers above-average weather protection and breathability at a respectable weight and packed size for a far lower price than its competitors. Those seeking the lightest fully featured model should check out the Patagonia Storm 10, which unlike the two previous models listed actually has front pockets that offer superior storm protection and weighs a cool 8.5 ounces. Quite close in weight is the The North Face Flight Lightriser at seven ounces which while around half an ounce heavier is more breathable and stretchier while providing very comparable weather protection. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. the. For burlier adventures, soggy backpacking trips, expedition-type mountaineering trips, or even for daily use, you'll want to consider durability along with storm worthiness just as much as weight. While some folks might not care about spending more or sacrificing some features or storm worthiness for just a few ounces; for the most weight-conscious of users, or those who own a quiver of jackets; these lightest of light jackets are impressively light and might allow you to get away with bringing a slightly smaller pack or to bring one when you otherwise might forgo a rain shell altogether. All the fabrics are plenty waterproof to keep you dry out in the rain. It's our review team's favorite jacket, thanks to its overall versatility and performance. Josh Brewer (in a green Patagonia Torrentshell) and Alex Chew enjoy the fruits of their labor in camp, Jones Island State Park, WA. The Outdoor Research Helium Rain weighs in at 6.5 ounces and can be stuffed into a built-in reversible chest pocket with a clip-in loop, which is a nice feature for climbers carrying it on their harness. Nice features include a microfleece-lined zipper and good fitting cuffs. I cant fit anything thicker without it feeling overly tight, but this is right in line with the jackets summer/shoulder-season intentions. Simply put, the Zeta's design is well thought out and provides an unmatched balance of weight, breathability, and an unmatched ability to ward off weather, even during the stormiest of circumstances. This water may or may not be making it through the fabric. This is in contrast to most of the waterproof-breathable garment industry, which relies on a disparity in heat and/or pressure to get the moisture to pass through the material. It is built for layering; we don't find you need to downsize unless you are truly between sizes, but you'll want to consider that it does run roomier. The Torrentshell's hand pockets are lined with waterproof fabric. Given the jackets low weight, it comes as no surprise that packability is also impressive. Further, with cutouts under the arms, the Marmot offers superior breathability (again, the Helium has no venting options other than the front zip). A number of models in this review, like the Outdoor Research Microgravity, are air permeable. Except for the Apex, all three pair 50D polyester ripstop face fabrics with a much longer-lasting Gore-Tex Paclite membrane. What does waterproof really mean? Black Diamonds FineLine is an interesting alternative with its stretchy construction that undercuts it slightly in price at $135. When talking about hoods it is worth bringing up the Rab Kinetic 2.0 is of special note because it features an internal elastic band designed to ride directly on top of the wearer's forehead, acting as an internal gasket to the main hood. Check.
Air-permeable is a new buzzword (and a technical term) in the outdoor world that is a design characteristic of a number of the new wave of stretchy, mostly proprietary waterproof-breathable jackets that have recently surged onto the market.
In terms of storage, the Outdoor Research Helium features only a single chest pocket, which is standard fare among many minimalist shells and windbreakers. We compared each jacket with our arms facing straight forward, straight up, and straight out to the sides. Pit zips, side zips, core vents, or other various zippered ventilation designs all have their place. We weighed all the models in our review on a postal scale. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. Approach shoes are an important piece of gear for many rock climbers. Peter Webb puts his Arc'teryx Zeta SL jacket to the test during some wetter than ideal conditions while alpine climbing in the Canadian Rockies. Finally, the jacket is an impressive wind blocker Ive used it and the prior generation Helium II on cold days while mountain biking to take the sting out on a frigid descent and provide some heat-trapping warmth. In every aspect, from the hood to its storm protection, to its low weight and top-tier breathability. If you know you're going to have a week of bad weather on a backcountry trip and are likely to wear your rain jacket over large portions of most days, you'll want to consider something different. While most of these models are available in men's and women's versions, we've found that they don't always perform the same.
Hood offers great coverage both at the sides of the head and the face. At some point, you can't shed any more layers under your rain shell while hiking with a heavy pack uphill and you're going to sweat no matter the outside temperature. As the weather can change quickly and at times unexpectedly, it's these just-in-case packing scenarios when having a light, compact rain shell is useful, and there is less of a personal debate on whether to throw it in your running vest or the bottom of your pack. The Kinetic was no different but was in the upper third of air-permeable models. Photo: Phil Wadlow on the Upper Curtis Glacier. Stepping up in price is Marmots impressive Bantamweight jacket. The only thing worth noting about this model is its ultra-slim fit aimed toward more technical pursuits. Slayin' some pow on Tye Peak in the Arc'teryx Zeta SL. The Xerodry vastly outperforms all less expensive options while offering very comparable performance to a number of the more expensive ones. Pit zips generally allow more moisture to escape than core vents, which is a fairly generic term for mesh-lined pockets that you can leave open to let a little moisture out. A good hood design will keep the water out while moving with you and allowing you to hang on to a good amount of your peripheral vision.
Besides a model's front primary zipper, pit zips are the next most effective ventilation tool for dumping heat and moving moisture, with the advantage of not letting much moisture in. While one pound might be a benchmark, the average weight in our review is closer to 12-14 ounces, with some models dipping down to an impressive 6-7 ounces an unfathomable weight even just five years ago. Read more about us. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Next in line for the best freedom of movement and mobility are the Patagonia Storm10 Outdoor Research MicroGravity, REI Stormbolt GTX, The North Face Flight Lightriser and the Arc'teryx Zeta SL. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best rain jackets. Our team focuses on each product's face fabric when assessing its overall durability, as this is the layer that has the most impact on a given product's tear and abrasion resistance, as well as how well its DWR might hold up.
helium research outdoor radar rain cap rei Nine of the top rain jackets, ready for our testing. You can get better protection for a similar weight with Arcteryxs Gore-Tex-equipped Zeta FL, but youll need to double your budget to do so. This means they continue to breathe better in warmer conditions or once their user has cooled off. As a result, weve found it to be more comfortable for active pursuits like hiking, and its lining is less prone to feeling clammy (its still not a standout breather, however). Photo: Testing and comparing the breathability of different layers while making a one-day ascent of Mt. Approximately half of these models stuff into one of their own pockets and others can be rolled and stuffed into their hoods. The latest Heliumreplacing the IIsticks largely to the same formula with upgrades in durability and fit without impacting weight or cost. Compared to the Helium, the Norvan is a far better performer when active, but its not a jacket we would recommend throwing in a bag for hiking or even climbing. The Patagonia Torrentshell has large pit zips with easy-to-use pull strings on the zippers. Without question, a rain jacket's most important job is to keep its wearer dry, whether hiking, backpacking, ski-touring, or simply taking the dog out for a walk on a rainy day. Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the transaction.
rei helium rain pants research outdoor Some models have mesh-lined pockets for additional ventilation. A jacket that is wetting out will also be heavier due to water weight and feel cold or damp which no one appreciates. This model is significantly smaller, and half the compressed volume of the average packet size in our review. While the number of stretch models continues to grow, the Kinetic is truly the stretchiest shell we have ever seen and offers nearly restriction-free movement. However, we prioritize quantifying the differences to go what you get (if anything) by spending more with the end goal is helping you decide if you'll get the most out of the best of the best or if you'll be happy with a model that will keep your wallet happy.
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Excellent trim fit that works well with or without a midlayer. The previous metric compared how well each model kept us dry from the outside where this one compares how well they helped us stay dry from the inside. Each proves to be able to handle anything we could hope a backpacking-oriented rain jacket could take. The Venture, with its 50D external face fabric, was on the tougher end of jackets we tested. Graham Zimmerman wearing the lightest and most compressible jacket in our review, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain. A jacket's ability to keep its wearer dry also has a lot to do with the make-up and construction of its waterproof insert (more frequently called a membrane) and the longevity of DWR and its' subsequent ability to resist wetting out after extended periods that can be hours or weeks of use. This does mean that air-permeable jackets, on a micro-level, aren't technically windproof. You can have all the best features in the world and the most packable product, but if your rain jacket doesn't do an adequate job of keeping you dry, not a whole lot else matters. Outdoor Research has updated its long-standing and very popular ultralight rain shell for 2020. One of the standout features of the latest Helium shell is its combination of weight and durability. Not surprisingly, this is one of the least durable models in our review, as it uses the thinnest fabrics and the tiniest zippers, meaning you need to exercise a little more care with it depending on the terrain you are traveling in. When comparing different ventilation options compared to a given model's overall breathability, it is essential to remember that these two design aspects, while related, are not equally important. We also conducted a series of side-by-side tests to help us quantify performance and better understand why and how each model directly compared to one another. Purpose-built for trail running in cold weather, we put the Norvan to the test during a wet and soggy season in British Dont undo your bootlaces until you have seen the river. Pit zips let the wearer ventilate the jacket for high energy activities. A majority of waterproof breathable fabrics require a pressure differential to start breathing. Besides the models we mentioned above, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L, Patagonia Storm10, and the REI XeroDry GTX offered good DWR and resisted wetting out both over time and during a single day out in heavy weather. As a result, Ive found myself grabbing my windbreaker jacket instead (the Patagonia Houdini) in all but the worst conditions. This model does have a few downsides, though these downsides are only when directly compared to more expensive models, most of which feature Gore-Tex rather than a more price-oriented, proprietary 2.5-layer coated-membrane option. Further, the hem can be cinched along the right side, and the hood adjusts evenly around the head and face with a single pull at the back. As expected, the Helium is light on features but checks the right boxes. Theres also a fabric loop along the stuff pocket for attaching to a climbing harness. Breathability and ventilation are both significant factors in keeping the wearer dry, minimizing how wet they get from their own sweat. This isn't a big deal; however, for those who run hot or are commonly hiking in warmer rain (where this model's breathability will be reduced), something with pit zips might be better. Compared to several higher-end models, we found the XeroDry had a slightly clammier interior and a tendency to wet out faster than spendier 3-layer models. In the comfort portion of this metric, we consider the small features that made a given product more comfortable to wear (and how easy specific features were to use), as well as the feeling of the interior material; was it more or less clammy feeling on our bare skin?
Between the two, a fabric's breathability is far more important than its ventilation. A new wave of stretchy air-permeable models has flooded the market, and it can be hard to keep track. That said, its about 2 ounces heavier (exactly 2 oz. The reason being, if it's rain, but particularly if it's raining hard you'll likely batten down the hatches by closing the pit zips and cinching up the hood to keep the rain out, even if it means trapping some of your body-made moisture in. Some models offered ventilation designs that were far better than others at allowing sweat to escape or keeping rain from getting in. I do often leave the collar portion unzipped to avoid restricting movement, but its more than workable. This is where stretchy fabrics and specific designs really stood out. What is an air-permeable fabric or jacket?
We love slightly elevated pockets that remain accessible under a pack. A rain jacket needs to stand up to the demands its user places on it. Like prior generations of the Helium, the latest model is not a standout in terms of breathability.
Set yourself up for success and wear the minimum layers you can get away with to minimize overheating unnecessarily. Our rating for packed size considers the compressed size and the ease of using the integrated stuff pocket. Rain creates three pounds per square inch of pressure being applied to the fabric; however, most waterproof breathable fabrics can withstand a lot more than that. Set yourself up for success by wearing the minimum layers you can get away with. These models all do an excellent job of sealing out precipitation in all of its forms and have well-designed wrist cuffs and hoods that can be cinched down to help seal out the elements, keeping us dry. It boasts raised, pack-friendly handwarmer pockets, a helmet-compatible hood, large pit zips, and a layering-friendly cut, making it ideal for folks who end up heading out regardless of the forecast. If you plan to use your jacket off-trail or while bushwhacking, choose a model with a higher denier and ripstop face fabric, and at least consider a polyester model. We hope you enjoyed the review and that it helped you make your selection, until next time GearLab is reader-supported. In practice, it has held solidly in place in inclement weather with plenty of coverage and no excessive bunching. Here we test a Patagonia Torrentshell on the 18-pitch Serpentine Arete on Dragontail Peak between intermittent rain showers. Face fabric gets overwhelmed and starts to absorb moisture in strong downpours. For a similar price, many shells we tested offer better storm protection. If a jacket's handwarmer pockets are too low, they are rendered totally useless by the waist-belt of a pack or a harness and can pinch the wear's hips quite uncomfortably under heavier loads. Where the Helium gets the edge is protection: the Montbell uses a less weather-ready 2-layer Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper build and super-thin 10-denier nylon face fabric, which translate to considerably less durability and assurance in wet and rowdy conditions. For users who intend to use their shell climbing or nordic skiing, we recommend checking them out.
rei helium jacket research outdoor Its air-permeable design is also decently breathable. Dan Whitmore testing a North Face Venture jacket during an extremely wet trip to Washington's North Cascades National Park. We note small features, like a microfleece patch at the chin or soft fabric where the hood rests on your brow, which are appreciated touches that feel nicer. Polyester is known to be stretchier and most times, more durable than a similarly thick nylon material. (mens medium)Waterproofing: 2.5L Pertex Shield Diamond FuseWhat we like: Great price for an ultralight and surprisingly tough shell.What we dont: Too streamlined for around-town use; doesnt breathe very well.See the Men's Outdoor Research HeliumSee the Women's Outdoor Research Helium. When poorly designed, you'll face issues like obstructed peripheral vision, discomfort, and a lack of compatibility to different headwear. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. The 30-denier ripstop face fabric feels surprisingly burly, and weve had zero issues thus far after a couple backpacking trips in Patagonia and subsequent use back home in the PNW while mountain biking. More price-pointed models use proprietary fabrics, often with coated waterproof membranes that'll do the trick but most frequently won't perform as well as a higher-end option. These two fabrics were a cut above the rest when we were out on a rainy winter hike, where they were able to pass an impressive amount of moisture at an astounding rate. International shipping availability and rates vary by seller. However, an air-permeable model will continue to dry more effectively after you've cooled off and are standing around. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Air-permeable fabrics offer a much more static level of breathability, meaning they always let the same amount of moisture pass through the material, regardless of user excursion or external temperature. Remember, most people can even drench a lightweight t-shirt if they're working hard enough, and even the most basic lightweight synthetic t-shirt are significantly more breathable than any waterproof jacket we tested. Jackets stuffed and ready to travel. ), Marmot Bantamweight (6 oz. The Helium is a true ultralight shell at a very reasonable price (most of the UL competition is at least $100 more expensive). While some may not always feel like it all of these multi-layered fabrics are all breathable (to varying extents), meaning they all allow water vapor to be wicked through the material from the inside to the outside, where it can subsequently evaporate. The advantage of the Kinetic and other air-permeable materials is the relatively high and steady level of breathability, regardless of user temperature or external environmental factors. Garden hose to the face and wrists? As useful as many ventilation features are, a fabric's breathability is more important than ventilation.
rei helium rei hooded helium hybrid jacket research outdoor These fabrics also don't perform as well if the environment is hot and humid and the user is working hard and warm (which will likely be the case if the user is exercising in a warm, moist environment). Likely wider than any other product there is an enormous price range of rain jacket options on the market today. This is in both abrasion and cut resistance but also in overall longevity. Pitted against each other in rigorous side-by-side and real-world tests, we've identified the pros and cons of each model, what applications they are best suited for, and the best overall. This is likely because there are less quantifiable metrics to go along with a given jacket's mobility. All told, for most sub-alpine summer adventuring, the Helium is plenty of jacket. For example, a 50D nylon jacket is likely to be more robust than a 30D polyester one even though Polyester is "generally" tougher.
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